KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) of Sarawak may soon take on a new role as a strategic corporate body, following a proposal by Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
The Premier, who is also the Chairman of NREB, said this transformation would enable the board to manage its own operations independently and generate its own revenue. He explained that such a move would allow the NREB to adopt a management style similar to the private sector, granting it more autonomy and efficiency.
“In other words, the NREB will have the authority to operate freely based on private-sector principles. You will generate your own income, and if you succeed, you can reward your stakeholders. Your service scheme will no longer be tied to the civil service but will follow your own structure,” said the Premier during his speech at the NREB Excellence and Service Awards Night held at a hotel here on Wednesday.
He further proposed that NREB’s economic activities should focus on circular economy principles, turning waste materials into valuable products that can be commercialised.
“This includes developing waste storage and recycling initiatives under the circular economy model, where waste becomes a source of revenue,” he said. “We will develop an incinerator as your starting capital. The waste collected at the incinerator can be separated and turned into raw materials for new products.”
Abang Zohari assured that the state government will continue to update existing laws to empower NREB to manage waste in Sarawak. This follows the Federal Government’s approval for Sarawak to take full control of its solid waste management.
“In the coming State Legislative Assembly sitting, I will table a new law related to mandatory waste collection. Once we have enough collected waste, we can produce new products,” he said.
During the ceremony, 32 officers received the NREB Service Medal for over 20 years of loyal service, while 18 others were recognised with the Excellence Service Award (APC) for their outstanding performance in 2024.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datu Abang Ahmad Abang Morni; and Sarawak Controller of Environmental Quality Datu Jack Liam. – UKAS
